North America’s first federally compliant self-powered, zero-emission passenger train arrives in San Bernardino County
June 21, 2024
(SAN BERNARDINO, CALIF., June 21, 2024) – Passenger rail service between San Bernardino and Redlands will soon be running cleaner with today’s arrival of North America’s first self-powered, zero-emission passenger train that will meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations. The train’s arrival at the San Bernardino Depot Train Station marks a significant milestone on its incredible journey from concept to reality.
The passenger train, a Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU), uses a hybrid hydrogen and battery technology to propel the train and power onboard electrical systems. Water vapor is the only emission generated from the propulsion system, making this a clean transit alternative.
The train’s arrival to Southern California represents more than 10 years of planning, including four years of train development, by the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA), which saw the need for efficient, sustainable passenger rail as part of the regional transportation ecosystem. The agency serves one of the fastest-growing economic and population centers in the country, as well as one of the more challenged air quality basins in North America.
ZEMU’s journey began in eastern Switzerland, where it was built by Stadler at the company’s headquarters. From there, it was transported by truck and then barge to Belgium where it set off on its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.
ZEMU arrived in the U.S. at the Galveston, Texas port in fall of 2023 where it continued its journey on American soil to the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colo. for safety testing.
Taking a short break from testing, Stadler and SBCTA debuted ZEMU at the October 2023 American Public Transportation Association’s annual EXPO in Orlando, Fla. to showcase the innovative hydrogen-powered rail technology.
At the conclusion of testing, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe locomotive coupled with ZEMU on June 18, to pull the new train more than 1,000 miles over two days from Pueblo, Colo. to San Bernardino, Calif.
“ZEMU’s arrival in San Bernardino is a significant milestone recognizing years of strategic planning for a greener rail system and a commitment to innovative transportation solutions in San Bernardino County,” SBCTA President Ray Marquez said. “I look forward to county residents and visitors riding ZEMU on the Arrow line in the coming months.”
The new ZEMU is easy to spot with its signature blue and white water-vapor design wrapped around the train’s two passenger cars and center power pack where the hydrogen and battery propulsion system is located.
In the coming weeks, ZEMU will begin the final phase of testing that will include trips on the Arrow line and Metrolink system checks with a goal of safe entry into service later this year.
Learn more about ZEMU and the Arrow line here.
About SBCTA
The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Serves more than 2.1 million residents of San Bernardino County, SBCTA is responsible for cooperative regional planning and furthering an efficient multi-modal transportation system countywide. SBCTA administers Measure I, the half-cent transportation sales tax approved by county voters in 1989, and supports freeway construction projects, regional and local road improvements, train and bus transportation, railroad crossings, call boxes, ridesharing, congestion management efforts, and long-term planning studies.
About Stadler
Stadler has been building trains for over 80 years. The headquarters of the supplier of mobility solutions to the railway vehicle sector are located in the town of Bussnang, in eastern Switzerland. More than 13,000 employees work on the production and engineering sites, as well as over 70 service sites. The company is aware of its social responsibility for sustainable mobility and therefore stands for innovative, sustainable and durable quality products. The product range in the field of mainline railways and urban transport includes highspeed trains, intercity trains, regional and suburban railways, underground railways, light railways and trams. In addition, Stadler produces main-line engines, shunters and passenger carriages. Stadler is the world’s leading manufacturer of cog railway vehicles.
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